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Founders Lodge by Mantis

3.5 star property
Colonial hotel with 2 outdoor pools and full-service spa

Photo gallery for Founders Lodge by Mantis

2 outdoor pools, pool loungers
Outdoor banquet area
Room, Multiple Beds | Living area
Room, 1 King Bed | Bathroom
Front of property

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Spa
  • Gym
  • Pool
  • All-inclusive
  • Room service
The current price is AU$2,239
includes taxes & fees
10 Jan - 11 Jan 2026

Explore the area

View map
Sidbury Road, Adjacent to Shamwari Game Reserve, Paterson, Eastern Cape, 6135
  • Place, Rhodes University
  • Place, Schotia Tooth and Claw Safari
  • Place, Lalibela Game Reserve
    ‪52 min drive‬

Room options

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Premium bedding, free minibar, in-room safe, desk

Suite, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • 35 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 2 Single Beds

Suite, 2 Single Beds

Suite, 2 Single Beds

Highlights

Patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Twin Beds

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Room, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Suite, 1 King Bed

Highlights

Patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, Multiple Beds

Room, Multiple Beds

Room, Multiple Beds

Highlights

Patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Free minibar items
Hypo-allergenic bedding
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Sleeps 5
  • 3 Double Beds

Suite, 2 Twin Beds

  • Sleeps 1

Multiple Bed Room

  • Sleeps 5

King Room

  • Sleeps 2

Contemporary Suite

  • Sleeps 2

About the area

Paterson

At Founders Lodge by Mantis, you'll be 41.4 km (25.7 mi) from Addo Elephant National Park. Highlights at this Colonial hotel include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a full-service spa and a restaurant. .A pampering day can include deep-tissue massages and hot stone massages. The hotel's own lounge bar is a nice place to enjoy a drink. Enjoy the 24-hour gym, steam room and pool loungers as well as access to ecotours. Additionally, you'll find free Wi-Fi in public areas, a free manager's reception and coffee/tea in a common area. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .In the region of this 3.5-property class Paterson hotel you'll find Rhodes University.

What's nearby

  • Lalibela Game Reserve - 52 min drive - 33.8 km
  • Sundays River Dunes - 53 min drive - 56.6 km
  • Settlers Garden 1820 - 59 min drive - 76.0 km
  • 1820 Settlers National Monument - 59 min drive - 76.0 km
  • Rhodes University - 60 min drive - 77.4 km

Getting around

  • Port Elizabeth (PLZ) - 79 min drive

About this property

Founders Lodge by Mantis

Colonial hotel with 2 outdoor pools and full-service spa
Some rates at Founders Lodge by Mantis are all-inclusive. These rates include on-site meals and beverages, and may include taxes and gratuities. Additional charges may apply for meals at some restaurants, special dinners and dishes, certain beverages and other amenities.

Founders Lodge by Mantis offers its guests a full-service spa, 2 outdoor swimming pools, a steam room, and a 24-hour fitness centre. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at the bar/lounge. A free manager's reception is offered daily. WiFi is free in public spaces.

Spa services, a library, and a terrace are also featured at the business-friendly Founders Lodge by Mantis. An airport shuttle (available 24 hours) is available for a fee. Free self parking is available.

This Colonial Paterson hotel is smoke free.

  • 8 guestrooms or units
  • Manager's reception (free)
  • Poolside lounge chairs
  • Charging station for electric cars
  • Coffee in lobby
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Front desk safe
  • Concierge
  • Games room or arcade
  • Pool or billiards table
  • Library
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Gift shop
  • Television in lobby
  • Bellhop
  • No smoking on site
  • Water dispenser
  • Bar or lounge
  • Dining venue
Founders Lodge by Mantis offers 8 accommodations with a safe and complimentary bottles of water. Rooms open to patios. This accommodation offers separate sitting areas and includes desks. Beds feature premium bedding. A pillow menu is available. This Paterson hotel provides complimentary wireless Internet access. Guests can make use of the in-room coffee/tea makers and free minibar items. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower with a deep soaking bath, bathrobes, slippers and complimentary toiletries. Additionally, rooms include a hairdryer and an iron/ironing board. Hypo-allergenic bedding, change of towels and change of bedsheets can be requested. A nightly turndown service is provided and housekeeping is offered on a daily basis.
The on-site spa has couples treatment room(s). Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages and Swedish massages. The spa is open selected days.

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Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
  • Available in some public areas: Free WiFi

Parking and transport

  • Electric car charging station on site
  • 24-hour return airport shuttle on request for a surcharge
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • A bar/lounge
  • A restaurant
  • Coffee and tea in common areas
  • Couples/private dining
  • Free daily manager's reception
  • Private picnics

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • 24-hour gym
  • Arcade/game room
  • Bicycle rentals
  • Billiards/pool table
  • Books
  • Ecotours
  • Full-service spa
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Library
  • Safari
  • Steam room
  • TV in common areas

Conveniences

  • Gift shop/newsstand
  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk
  • Safe at front desk
  • Water dispenser

Guest services

  • Change of bedsheets (on request)
  • Change of towels on request
  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Turndown service

Outdoors

  • Firepit
  • Garden
  • In a regional park
  • Picnic area
  • Pool loungers
  • Terrace
  • Vegetable garden

Full-service spa

  • Couples treatment rooms
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Hot stone massages
  • Spa open select days
  • Swedish massages

Accessibility

  • If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
  • Accessible bathtub
  • Magnifying mirror
  • No lift
  • Smooth flooring in room
  • Stair-free path to entrance
  • Well-lit path to entrance

More

  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • At least 80% lighting from LEDs
  • At least 80% of food locally-sourced
  • Banquet hall
  • Biodegradable coffee stirrers available
  • Biodegradable drinking straws available
  • Colonial architecture
  • Communal living room
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • Local artist showcase
  • Local culture and ecosystem education
  • Locally-owned and organised tours and activities
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic soft drink bottles
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups
  • Reusable tableware
  • Smoke-free property
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian breakfast available
  • Vegetarian dining options

Room amenities

Bedroom

  • Hypo-allergenic bedding
  • Pillow menu
  • Premium bedding

Bathroom

  • Deep soaking bathtub
  • Dressing gowns
  • Free toiletries
  • Hair dryer
  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Slippers
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Free bottled water
  • Free stocked minibar
  • Limited room service

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Bulk dispensers for toiletries
  • Cleaning products are eco-friendly
  • Desk
  • Eco-friendly toiletries
  • Electrical adapters
  • Iron/ironing board
  • LED lighting
  • Recycling
  • Safe
  • Separate sitting area
  • Water-efficient showers

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1:00 PM; check-in end time: 5:00 PM
Early check-in subject to availability
Late check-in subject to availability
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Late check-out subject to availability

Special check-in instructions

The front desk is open daily from 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property at least 24 hours before arrival using the information on the booking confirmation
You will be asked to provide the property with a copy of your government-issued photo ID after booking
If you are planning to arrive after 5 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • Pets and service animals are not allowed at Founders Lodge by Mantis

Children and extra beds

  • Children 11 and younger are not allowed at this property. All guests older than 11 are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Airport shuttle fee: ZAR 1650 per person (one-way)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash
This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children. If you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club, debit cards and cash. This property uses solar energy, plus a grey water recycling system.

Property Registration Number 1971/002665/07

We should mention

  • Reservations are needed for massage services and spa treatments. For reservations, contact the hotel before arrival using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
  • Children 11 years old and younger aren't allowed at this property.
  • Pets and service animals are not allowed on site.

Property is also known as

Founders Lodge Mantis All Inclusive Paterson
Founders Lodge Mantis All Inclusive
Founders Mantis All Inclusive Paterson
Founders Mantis All Inclusive

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

Founders Lodge by Mantis offers free cancellation on select room rates. Check out the cancellation policy for more info.

How much does it cost to stay at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

As of 10 Dec 2025, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Founders Lodge by Mantis on 10 Jan 2026 start from AU$2,239.04, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

Is parking available at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

Yep, Founders Lodge by Mantis has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Founders Lodge by Mantis?

The closest beach to Founders Lodge by Mantis is King's Beach (71.8 km).

Is there a spa on site at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

Yep, there is an onsite spa at Founders Lodge by Mantis. You'll enjoy services like Swedish massages.

Does Founders Lodge by Mantis have a pool?

Founders Lodge by Mantis has 2 outdoor swimming pools. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying on a lounger.

What makes Founders Lodge by Mantis a romantic place to stay?

Couples spa treatments and couples dining, as well as deep-soaking baths and premium bedding in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Founders Lodge by Mantis.

Is Founders Lodge by Mantis family-friendly?

You bet! With amenities such as an arcade and 2 outdoor pools, as well as travel cots in the guestrooms, it's no surprise that Founders Lodge by Mantis is a hit with families.

Are there hot tubs in the rooms at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

No, but there are deep-soaking baths in the guestrooms.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

No, but there's an airport shuttle that runs 24 hours a day on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant.

What time are check-in & check-out at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

Check-in begins at 1:00 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Founders Lodge by Mantis?

No, pets and service animals are not allowed.

Reviews

Founders Lodge by Mantis Reviews

10

Exceptional

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Staff & service

10/10

Amenities

10/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness
Rating 10 - Excellent. 3 out of 3 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 3 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 3 reviews

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Julia

Travelled with family
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Dec 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
You’re right on the edge of the best reserve in the area & the game drives are all on the Shamwari Game Reserve. These are better than we ever expected & our ranger/guide, Cillia, was the best! Daniel at the Lodge managed everything for us & was always there for our needs, nothing was too much trouble & he ensured everything ran like clockwork. Cynthia was brilliant, always smiling and calm, Ntombi was also excellent and helped us with our questions about local culture. Overall superb!
Stayed 3 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

Andrew

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort

Highly recommended

From arrival to departure, the stay at Founders Lodge was superb. The Pod room has an amazing view over the Game Reserve (even from the shower!). Food is exceptional, and serving lunches and dinners from different locations within the Lodge/grounds was a nice touch. All staff are friendly, polite and good at what they do! The grounds are well maintained. The uninterrupted view of the waterhole allowed for lots of animal spotting. If you're thinking of going to an Eastern Cape Game Reserve, look no further than a stay at Founders Lodge.
Looking in and out of The Pod
From the balcony of The Pod
Waterhole activity
Waterhole activity
Stayed 3 nights in May 2023